Las Vegas And Its Natural Surroundings

What’s the first thing that comes to mind when you think of Las Vegas? It’s the bright city lights, the music, the non-stop partying. Who would ever think of beautiful green spaces, nature walks, the still of the desert viewed in the light of the setting sun? But that’s exactly what lies just outside the glare of the city lights and all it takes is a short ride to get there and drink deep of this beauty.

Just 270 miles away, in Utah actually, is the Bryce Canyon National Park. You want breathtaking scenery? Here’s where to find it. You’ll have to pay an entrance fee of $20 for a vehicle but it’s worth every penny. The view is absolutely astounding and you should keep your eyes peeled for wildlife like the golden and bald eagles and the Great Basin Rattlesnake. If you are there in spring and summer, you could be treated to some wonderful blooms as well.

Just 20 miles away is the Floyd Lamb Park which became a state park in 1977. You’ll find a barbecue area here and some very interesting remains and fossils. Some of them have been identified as giant sloths, mammoths, bison, horses and camels. It also has four well-stocked ponds and if you have a fishing license for Nevada, you could fish here but do remember that the limit per person is just three fish.

Southeast of Las Vegas just 300 miles away is the Grand Canyon. This is a great trip if you have a whole day free. You’ll have to pay to drive your car in and park but it’s well worth it just to take in this glorious bit of American legend. Maybe you could take one of the tours to go round the canyon or opt for one that takes you right to the bottom and then up again. Or, maybe you would like to choose the helicopter ride instead.

Another place close by is Lake Mead where you enjoy the beauty of the Nevada desert at its best. This is a large man-made lake, amongst the largest in the world and is around 1½ million acres. It was formed by the Hoover Dam and the Colorado River and is a great place to do some swimming, boating and viewing wildlife.

Las Vegas and the great outdoors? It’s not an association that comes to mind easily but when you do look for it, you’ll find a plethora of wonderful spots where your thoughts can turn to green. So even if it was the bright lights of Vegas that attracted you in the first place, keep a day or two aside to unwind and look around. We guarantee you won’t be disappointed.

Couples hit Las Vegas chapels to tie the knot on New Year's Day (KTNV Las Vegas)

One couple drove all the way up from Texas to get married in Las Vegas on New Year's Day. An average of 30 to 40 weddings take place at Las Vegas weddings every year, at this time this year they had 50.

WEDDING SCHOOL BELLS (Las Vegas Review-Journal)

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Michael DeJong: Thank-You-Verah-Musshhh. (HuffingtonPost)

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Caroling Vegas-style (Las Vegas Review-Journal)

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Brent Batten: Year of the Bailout in review, part two (Naples Daily News)

Brent Batten's column for Sunday, Dec. 28, 2008